Youths jailed for robbery

Two teenagers who carried out a violent street robbery have been locked up for a total of 13 years.

Jordan-Leigh Mitchell and James Shepherd, both 18, chased after the victim through a park in Bramingham Park in Luton shortly after midnight on Sunday, March 9, last year.

They caught up with him in a garden in Chardon Close where Shepherd threatened him with a chisel and demanded he hand over his mobile phone.

When he refused, Shepherd punched him to the floor where he was kicked. Mitchell then assaulted one of the victim’s friends who tried to come to his aid.

The offenders ran off but were later arrested at Mitchell’s home in Arrow Close.

Both teenagers denied the robbery but were convicted after a trial at Luton Crown Court. They were both sentenced on Thursday (16 April).

Shepherd, of Arrow Close, was sentenced to a total of eight years for robbery and grievous bodily harm, while Mitchell was locked up for a total of five years for robbery, actual bodily harm and common assault.

Detective Constable Cathie Layton said: “This was a violent attack which has left the victim with lasting injuries.

“We will not tolerate such violence and work hard to protect our communities. We have recently seen a decrease of 113 robberies – a drop of 20 per cent – in the 12 months to April this year when compared to the previous 12 months, and we will continue to crack down on this type of crime.

“This case should serve as a warning to those who think it is acceptable to use violence in this way.”